When __C₄H₁₀(g) + __O₂(g) → __CO₂(g) + __H₂O(l) is balanced using the smallest whole-number coefficients, what is the SUM of all four coefficients?

Core Concept

Balance carbons first: eight CO₂ handle butane's four-carbon load once the fuel takes a 2. Twenty hydrogens then require ten H₂O. Oxygen atoms on the product side total 16 plus 10, or 26, demanding 13 O₂. The completed equation 2C₄H₁₀ + 13O₂ → 8CO₂ + 10H₂O sums to 2 + 13 + 8 + 10 = 33.